Pole dancing - the sport behind the sleaze

by Lucy Robinson

Pole dancing - sport or sleaze? Pole dancing classes emphasise fitness, solidarity and creativity. And waggly legs. Even the teeny-tiny shorts are there for a reason. Now let's just pretend it isn't really called a stripper pole...

Pole dancing has always had a vaguely dodgy reputation. You only have to say the words to a guy to get that suggestive eyebrow-raise; and, I must admit, originally I was amongst those that immediately thought of a scantily-clad dancer in a club, grinding up against a stripper pole. (Even the term 'stripper pole' tells you something.)

Whilst there are clubs full of those sorts of dancers, pole dancing is fast becoming much, much more mainstream, and more associated with physical than titillating activity. I found that out for myself during my first year of Uni. When my housemate asked me to go along to a bunch of pole dancing classes with her, I admit I was sceptical. The 'uniform' (short shorts, skimpy top and high heels) didn't help. 'How hard could it be?' I shrugged, thinking I might as well investigate. What is Uni, after all, if not a chance to try new things?

After the first class, I was ready to eat my words. I woke up the next morning aching and bruised - and quickly began to realise just how demanding the sport was. The moves our instructors demonstrated to us, at that point, seemed impossible. (Upside down? No-handed? Surely you jest, instructor-lady?)

We were pushed to our limits and found ourselves improving week by week. After the beginners' course was over, we moved into the intermediates class and realised that those moves we had been so afraid of trying originally were child's play! We were hooked, and eagerly anticipated each class, wondering what on earth they would teach us next.

The best thing about it was that you didn't have to be a size zero to try it. It's a sport for all shapes and sizes, and everyone in the class was supportive and friendly. You couldn't do a move? They'd help you, or you'd work on taking another basic move a step further.

Pole dancing is a sport that accentuates the individual, and you have the flexibility (no pun intended) to try things that work best for you. Maybe you don't have the most upper body strength, or you can't stretch your legs that way. "No worries! Try this move, it's just as advanced but easier for you!"

Not only do pole dancing classes improve your fitness, but you really come out of your shell. Personally, I've never been the most outgoing person - but by the end of my pole dancing lessons I found myself getting up there in front of everyone and trying out new things with confidence, even in those teeny-weeny tiny little shorts (which really are necessary, by the way. One thing the stereotypes got right was the skin exposure - although the reason is more practical than sexual. Bare skin gives you useful extra friction, ensuring you don't break your neck falling off the pole. Which, without that sticky friction, might be a (small) possibility when you're hanging to a strippers pole upside down attached only by your waist and one flailing leg.

If that isn't enough incentive to try pole dancing classes out for yourselves, some pole dancing clubs even offer free entry and drinks in exchange for a few dances...

Personally, I'd like to shoo away those drunken pole-grinders on the dancefloor and wow the place with some of my moves. Secretly, I'd like to educate my boozy audience with a stern lecture along the lines of "Look! Pole dancing is an amazing and underrated sport with an unfair reputation - now appreciate the artistry, technique and physical prowess, you sots!"

However, I think I'll stick to the dance studio for now. These shorts aren't ready for public exposure just yet...

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